Last time, on the Holiday Haul, we left you in the Mall in Grand Rapids...
We left the mall headed for Orland Park, Illinois. My Big Bro Tim and his family moved into a new house in July, but, we've been a bit busy and haven't been able to come see it. Well the 2.5 hour trip went pretty well. we had plans of having the girls sleep on the way there, it was nap time, but it was a bit challenging. Makenna fell asleep easily. (gotta love those compliant 2nd born kids, it also helps that she's almost 6 mos and takes like 5 naps a day) Alayna on the other hand was not having it. She did not want to take a nap. In fact, what she wanted, was Mommy. (who happened to driving at the time) So we gave her two reasonable options to help calm her down to take a nap, read a book or eat a snack. In true Alayna form, she took those two options and pondered them both. she then came back with her own suggestion. "how 'bout, YOU read me a book, while I eat a snack" So I contorted my body and read her TWO books, while she ate a snack. What can I say, the kid knows how to work a deal. But, she did go to sleep after the books and snack.
The rest of teh drive was good, till both girls woke up at the same time, and Makenna was 30 mins over due to eat and Alayna, well, you guessed it, she wanted Mommy, who was still driving. But, by this tiem we just had 30 minutes to go till we were at Tim's house. I tried my best tricks, can you believe that Alayna didn't want to watch a DVD, and Makenna didn't want her Pacifier? But eventually they were both calmed down. Alayna finally agreed that she would watch Caillou on my phone, and Makenna was good as long as I was holding her hand.
So we got to Tim's house and had a great time hanging out and seeing the house. They have a great house and have done a lot of work to it. It really looks good. But Alayna had the most fun playing with her cousin Lina! It so fun to see them get to this age where they can really have fun playing together. Lina, is the spittin image of her mom Janelle, sorry Tim. Of course they had fun playing dress up and various princess games, but the best part was when Uncle Tim pretended to be Swiper and the girls ran and screamed together, pretending to be scared. (video to come).
Then, after dinner we left and went to Nana & Papa's house to put the girls down to sleep. After the girls were asleep Rachel and I were able to go visit some friends. Unfortunately for the Erickson family, But fortunately for us, My best friend Nick's GRandfather had passed away, and he and his wife Jenny had made the long trek from South Carolina for the funeral. It was so great to see Nick and Jenny, and Nicks Siblings and parents. I think this is a record, I have seen Nick twice in 6 months. That's the most I 've seen him since we shared a room for 3 years in college. It was really good to see my friend. And Luckily, we found out, that Nick's brother Chad lives a block down the street from my parents! Crazy!
Wednesday was a nice relaxing day. Rachel got to get out and have some good solitude time shopping. Yes, for some people, shopping provides just the right environment to connect with God well. Alayna & Nana played all day, making paintbrush cookies and reading books, and all kinds of various activities. We capped off the day with our usual trip to El Campesino for dinner. Ya know, we like that place but the service continues to go down hill. But the food is good. Then, after the girls were asleep, we taught my parents how to play Skip-Bo. This seems to be Rachel's new favorite game. And soem how we were able to come up with a good sermon illustration from the game. That's how pastors brains work...
Well, today Rach and Nana went out early to get a jump on the 75% off Christmas stuff at Target. Were stocking up on LED lights for next year. Then we're planning on Monical's Pizza buffet for lunch! WooHoo! Have a great day, I know we will...
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